It was apparent on the riders' faces Saturday that the sheer joy of riding has something to do with the therapeutic benefits they receive.

Caring for horses, managing a big group of volunteers and providing therapy on the 35 acre spread is costly, so fundraising is important for the nonprofit, Stran said.

Saturday was the organization's annual scholarship fundraiser. Clients were asked to raise money. A prize of nine free weeks of lessons went to the top money-getter. That prize this year went to Emma, who raised nearly $2,000, mostly from friends at a barbecue in Door County, her mother said.

Munao has educated friends and family about SMILES on Facebook, so there was little explaining needed before friends became contributors, she said.

Geoff Sugden, 28, can be seen wheel-chairing on the floors of at Home Depot or Best Buy in Janesville, where he works in customer service. Saturday, he was wearing a crash-resistant cowboy hat as he waited his turn to mount up.

Sugden has cerebral palsy. He is one of SMILES' original clients and was given the honor of holding the flag for the National Anthem.

Sugden said the organization has made a big difference in his life.

“It's given me something always to look forward to,” he said. “The horses and staff are very, very good at what they do.”